Fire chiefs must manage fire department staff along with city leadership and community expectations, team building, training and so much more. So what do firefighters need beyond tactical competencies to become successful fire department leaders?
The following guidance from experienced leaders in fire service could help civic hiring managers tease out the best applicants for fire department chiefs and supervisory roles.
Managing Many Expectations
Great leaders share their vision with others, clearly communicating the core beliefs that will guide their department or their team.
Fire department leaders must have the ability to:
- Present bad news
- Establish good relationships
- Work with others outside of the fire department
On a practical level, fire department leaders must balance the need to support their officers and be sensitive to the points of view of those in the chain of command, including the city’s leadership.
Team Building
Fire department leaders build teams, so they must be able to:
- Clearly communicate goals, objectives and responsibilities
- Choose well-qualified and capable officers
- Manage the department’s skills for optimum performance
- Establish trust and respect with staff
- Ensure an open exchange of ideas
- Emphasize cooperation among officers and staff
- Take action regarding poor performance
Great fire chiefs know how to delegate tasks and accept responsibility and present solutions, rather than excuses, for problems. They also know how to resolve conflict and address individual officer behaviors that don’t work for the larger fire department.
Mentoring & Training
Fire department leaders must be committed to learning and create a work environment that is conducive to it, encouraging officers and staff to pursue educational opportunities.
Great fire department leaders engage their staff by involving them in decision-making, which results in the best decisions for the department and the community.
Core Values & Decision-Making
Chief Robert R. Rielage, CFO, EFO, FIFireE, a former state of Ohio fire marshal and a chief fire officer for more than 30 years, weighed in on the intrinsic qualities related to fire department leadership, and came up with the following core values:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Gratitude
- Kindness
- Respectfulness
- Compassion
- Optimism
- Encouragement
- Courage
- Determination
Great fire department leaders understand that their beliefs could impact their decisions, and weigh facts carefully and in a timely manner to make the best decisions.
Read the original guidance, Beyond Tactics, on FireRescue1.com.
Read the full 8 Traits Every Great Fire Chief Has on FireRescue1.com.